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NUS Researchers Create Advanced Self-Healing Light-Emitting Fibres
A collaborative team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), specifically from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering within the College of Design and Engineering, has engineered innovative flexible fibres that possess self-healing capabilities, luminescence, and magnetic properties.
The newly developed fibre, known as Scalable Hydrogel-clad Ionotronic Nickel-core Electroluminescent (SHINE) fibre, is notable for its versatility. It can bend, emit bright light, and remarkably restore itself after being severed, regaining nearly full brightness. Additionally, the SHINE fibre can operate wirelessly and be influenced through magnetic forces, showcasing a confluence of advanced technologies in a single product.
Given its multifunctional design, the SHINE fibre presents potential for use in various applications, such as light-emitting soft robotics and interactive displays. Its ability to be integrated into smart textiles opens further possibilities for innovative uses in fashion and functionality.
“The majority of today’s digital communication relies on devices that emit light. We aim to create sustainable light-emitting materials while exploring new forms such as fibres, to broaden application horizons, including in smart textiles. One way to achieve this is by developing self-healing capabilities akin to biological tissues, which can effectively repair themselves,” explained Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, the lead researcher on this project.
This research was carried out in partnership with the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech) at NUS and published in Nature Communications on December 3, 2024.
Innovative Features in a Single Device
The exploration of light-emitting fibres has gained traction due to their potential to enhance existing technologies across industries such as wearable electronics, soft robotics, and advanced textiles. These fibres can offer dynamic lighting options, interactive displays, and optical signaling, which could significantly enhance the interactivity and responsiveness of human-robot interfaces.
Despite their promise, traditional light-emitting fibres often face limitations due to their fragility and the complexity of integrating multiple functionalities without compromising on energy efficiency. The SHINE fibre emerges as a solution to these challenges, combining light emission, self-repair, and magnetic manipulation in one cohesive device. Unlike many currently available light-emitting fibres that lack self-repair capabilities and physical maneuverability, the SHINE fibre stands out as a pioneering alternative.
This fibre uses a coaxial design with a nickel core that offers magnetism, a zinc sulphide electroluminescent layer that provides illumination, and a hydrogel electrode that ensures transparency. The research team successfully fabricated fibres measuring up to 5.5 meters long using a scalable ion-induced gelation process, maintaining performance capabilities even after nearly a year of exposure to air.
“Typically, a luminance of 300 to 500 cd/m2 is suggested for visibility in bright indoor environments,” stated Assoc Prof Tee. “Our SHINE fibre achieved an unprecedented luminance of 1068 cd/m2, significantly surpassing this requirement and ensuring high visibility in well-lit settings.”
The self-healing hydrogel layer functions by reforming chemical bonds in ambient conditions, while the nickel core and electroluminescent layer recover structural integrity through heat-induced dipole interactions at around 50 degrees Celsius.
“The recovery process enables the fibre to regain over 98 percent of its original brightness following repair, making it resilient against mechanical stresses afterwards,” noted Assoc Prof Tee. “This feature encourages the sustainable reuse of damaged fibres, reinforcing the long-term environmental benefits of this invention.”
The magnetic actuation capabilities afforded by the nickel core allow for manipulation of the SHINE fibre through external magnets. “This unique characteristic enables applications in soft robotic fibres that can navigate tight spaces, perform intricate motions, and provide real-time optical signaling,” added Dr. Fu Xuemei, the first author of the study.
Advancing Human-Robot Interaction
The SHINE fibres can be incorporated into smart textiles that not only emit light but also boast a self-healing feature when cut, enhancing the durability and usability of wearable technology. Furthermore, the fibre can act as a soft robotic component, capable of emitting light, self-repairing, maneuvering through constrained areas, and providing optical signals even when fully severed. The fibres might also serve in interactive displays, where their magnetic properties facilitate dynamic pattern changes, enhancing optical communication in low-light conditions.
Looking towards future research, the team aims to refine the precision of the fibre’s magnetic actuation to support more sophisticated robotic applications. They are also considering the integration of sensing abilities into the light-emitting textiles made entirely from SHINE fibres, potentially enabling them to detect environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
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